Washington News: New Requirements for Pharmacy Technician Certification

January 1, 2010 10:40 AM Topics: Continuing education and Pharmacy technicians

Published in the January 2010 Washington State Board of Pharmacy Newsletter

Beginning in 2009 all new applicants for pharmacy technician certification must meet new credentialing requirements. Applicants must pass a Washington State Board of Pharmacy-approved national standardized certification examination and successfully complete a Board-approved training program.

Board-approved examinations are provided by programs or organizations accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). To verify if a program is approved visit the NCCA Web site at www.noca.org. Approved programs will be listed under “NCCA Accreditation.”

Pharmacy technicians holding a Washington State credential issued prior to 2009 do not have to take a national examination. The Board does not require a pharmacy technician to maintain national certification. Continuing education credits are not mandatory for renewal.